“Those are the first items that we have identified, because those are focused on immediately supporting families who have lost their jobs and immediately supporting the ability to create new jobs through infrastructure.”

Finance Minister Joe Ceci said a recent uptick in oil prices to around US$40 a barrel has him sleeping a little easier at night.

He said the government is “cautiously optimistic” that oil will find a higher level soon.

“That will be a significant help to our debt and deficit situation going forward.”

Notley said no one should be surprised by the budget when it comes out April 14.

She said the government is aiming to hold spending increases at the rate of inflation plus growth in population.

“That would, in and of itself, be a change from what we have seen in the past,” Notley said. “I believe we will be very close to that target.”